The Americans With Disabilities Act went into effect in 1991 to prevent discrimination against people who have disabilities. This law outlines requirements in California and throughout the country to make structures accessible that otherwise would be difficult for people with disabilities to enter. Accessibility for buildings and facilities under ADA law cover stairs, one of the main features of many buildings.
Height
Stairs have to meet the ADA guidelines for tread and risers to make them uniform. Treads are the horizontal part of the steps, and the risers are the vertical section. The guidelines set the minimum height for risers at 4 inches and maximum height at 7 inches.
Treads should measure 11 inches from riser to riser, and slopes should not measure more than 1:48. The ADA sets the maximum nosing at half an inch.
Aisle ramps and handrails
Stairs must be equipped with handrails on both sides of the stairs and ramps. The rails should run the length of the ramps or stair, but continuous stairs or ramps are not required in aisle serving seats. Ramps with a rise of 6 inches or less are not required to have handrails. However, the distance between the handrail and wall should be at least 1 and 1/2 inches.
Handrail and ramp requirements
The height of handrails should come at least 34 inches above the nosing or ramp surface and not extend past 38 inches. The height must also remain consistent. In facilities for children, the handrails should come lower at a maximum height of 28 inches running from ramp to surface or stair to nosing. The clearance must be at least 9 inches between adult handrails and child handrails to avoid children getting caught between them.
Under ADA guidelines, buildings must have ramps to streets or walkways with smooth transitions. The law defines ramps as having a slope of greater than 1:20.
Not meeting ADA requirements can have legal consequences if a property causes injury or prevents entrance. If a business owner has an ADA compliance lawsuit filed against them, an attorney may be able to help them with the case.
